OC Alumni and Student Featured at First TEDxOKC Conference

Thursday, Apr 7, 2011

Oklahoma Christian University will be well represented at the first ever TEDxOKC event on Friday. Of the 18 presenters, three are graduates and one is a current student, and the work of all four are influenced by their faiths. The event is patterned after the TED world conference that brings experts together from around the globe to discuss all matters technology, entertainment and design. TEDxOKC is an independently organized event in which speakers combine to spark deep discussion and share ideas worth spreading.

OC student Ryan Groves, co-founder and director of Wishing Well: Water For The World, will speak about his community-changing nonprofit, as well as the award-winning documentary film produced about Wishing Well’s work in Rwanda. Wishing Well drills wells in developing countries, helping to transform communities by increasing access to clean water.

Two other presenters are OC graduates Kyle Taylor and Loren O’Laughlin, who form the live painting group Rockwagon, based out of Memphis. The two complete commissions for corporate clients, churches, sports teams and schools. Last summer, their work was permanently installed in the AAR private jet terminal at the Will Rogers World Airport.

OC graduate David Bowden will also speak at TEDxOKC. He writes and performs his original poetry to challenge and inspire individuals and groups to give a voice to the voiceless, promote social justice and care for the needy throughout the world. Bowden writes and performs for nonprofits, activist movements and youth conferences around the country. He has produced two full-length albums and an independent film. Bowden is also the executive director of the OKC-based nonprofit Give a Goat, which was founded by OC graduate Peter Cariaga.

“Being asked to present at Oklahoma City’s TED conference is an incredibly humbling experience,” said Groves. “We really do hope that those who attend will be moved to take action no matter where they are in life. Creating a movement starts with one person.”